YWAM International News Release

September 1996

OLYMPIC SACRIFICE HELPS "MERCY SHIP" CARE FOR POOR AND NEEDY

M a da g a s c a r :
A DECISION TO forfeit dreams of Olympic gold is helping a medical missionary group care for the poor and needy.
Runner Haja Lucien had been chosen to represent her country in the 800 and 1200 meter track races in Atlanta when she learned that the 11,700-ton Anastasis, flagship of the Mercy Shipsmedical missionary fleet, was due to be visiting Madagascar at the same time.
So the young athlete told Olympic officials she would not be able to make the trip to the Games, and stayed behind in Tamatave - the country's port capital - to offer her services as a translator to the visiting hospital ship.
"I knew that almost every nation would be at the Olympics, but I would rather store up treasure in heaven than on earth," said Lucien, who admitted that others thought she had been "crazy" to pass up the chance to fulfill the dream of a lifetime.
"When I explained that I felt Jesus wanted me in Tamatave instead of Atlanta, they asked if He understood what He was asking me to give up," she said.
"After praying I was reminded of the time when Satan appeared to Jesus, during his 40-day fast. Satan told Jesus that if he would bow before him, he would give him all the kingdoms of the earth."
Lucien's sacrifice was commended by David O'Connor, spokesman at Mercy Ship's international offices in Lindale, Texas who said that "everyone had been touched by her decision".
He added: "Translation is a vital need in many aspects of our work, so her contribution is invaluable for our time there. She may have turned down the chance of an Olympic medal, but she wins our thanks and admiration."
The Anastasis - a former cruise liner now fitted with operating rooms and small hospital ward - arrived in Madagascar in June for a three-month outreach. During her time in the island nation, off the south-east coast of Africa, teams are performing free eye and facial surgeries, and running dental and community health clinics.

Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 as the maritime division of Youth With A Mission, since when her vessels have completed medical and relief projects in more than 60 port districts.

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